What term describes the ratio indicating a masonry wall's ability to resist buckling under compressive loads?

The term that describes the ratio indicating a masonry wall's ability to resist buckling under compressive loads is the slenderness ratio. This ratio is defined as the effective height of the wall divided by its radius of gyration. A higher slenderness ratio indicates a more slender wall that is more likely to buckle under compressive forces. By assessing the slenderness ratio, engineers can determine the stability of masonry walls and make informed decisions on design and material choices to ensure structural integrity. Understanding this concept is crucial for designing walls that can safely handle compression without buckling, which is particularly important in tall or slender structures.